Chapter 5: Writing Flashcards
What are the 4 aspects of being sensitive to audience needs
- Adapting the “you attitude”- direct the attention to the audience, use pronoun “you”. Except in circumstances where using “you” would be too harsh
- Maintaining Standards of Etiquette- being respectful and thoughtful even when telling the hard truth. Pay attention also to rank, education- be courteous to all, but with some more courtesy to higher ranks
- Emphasizing positive: Look at the bright side. When correcting things focus on what can be done to improve, rather than mistakes made.
Eg. You who have terrible handwriting vs Practicing your penmanship can help improve your handwriting.
Look for ways to include euphemisms appropriately - Using Bias-Free Language- Words that suggests preference based on groups and is not fair or objective. Avoid Gender, racial, age, and disability Biases
What are the seven ways I can establish credibility
- Honesty- earns respect from audiences, builds trust
- Objectivity- emotion is seperated from judgement
- Awareness of audience needs- Let them know directly or indirectly that you understand what’s important to them
- Credentials, Kowledge, and expertise- These back up your message
- Endorsements- Being promoted by an accepted expert
- Performance- Actually doing your job well
- Sincerity- Be genuine, and say exactly what you mean and feel. Dont use exaggerations
How does wording also affect credibility?
Words like hope/trust, may suggest a lack of confidence that something will 100% work. Assertuve words like can and will are more confident and encourage customers to be confident in you too.
Eg. We hope you will enjoy our product
Our extensive features and added benefits are for your pleasure
What are 2 things to consider when projecting company’s image?
Communication Style- follow company communication style
Communication Guidelines- How to use company name, and other branding items
How to achieve conversational tones but still be business-like
- Understanding the difference between writing and texting
- Avoid stale and pompous language- don’t use language just to try and impress others- only causes message to have unnecessary language
- Avoid preaching and bragging- Readers don’t like how it alls, just state the needed info in a neutral way plainly and carefully, when needed
- Be careful with intimacy: Generally avoid intimate words, sharing personal details, or speaking too casually(eg. using slang)- like “Y pree dog”. Can be appropriate in close knit team relations
- Be Careful with humor- Humor can give negative connotation and cause backlash- Flow commercial with man who lied, but the commercial made it humorous
What is the value of using plain language?- Use 3 things
- Shows respect for audience
- Helps to communicate over diverse audiences
- Helps audiences grasp meanings
Define Active and Passive voice
Active: Subject is the one doing the action
- More direct
-Used more often
Passive: Subject is the one receiving the action
- Can make sentences unnecessarily long
- Used when trying to be diplomatic, less offensive
What are four ways in which to use words effectively?
- Use words that are familiar
- Dont use cliches or busswords
- Use strong, precise words
- Use Jargons wisely
What is connotative vs denotative meaning?
Connotative meaning- implied meaning, evoke emotions
Denotative meaning- Specific meaning of words
What are abstract vs concrete words?
Abstract: words that capture ideas, concepts, do set definition
Concrete: Have literal definition, obvious, clear
What are the four types of sentences and when to use them?
Simple- Subject + Verb (Main Clause) :emphasizes one point.
Compound- Main clause + Main clause: used when two elements are of equal importance.
Complex- Main Clause + Subordinate clause- Used when one element is less important than the other.
Compound-Complex- at least 2 elements of equal importance and another item of less importance.
How to use sentence style to emphasize key thoughts through wording key ideas?
Devoting More Words to Key Thoughts
Sentence Style
Characteristic
How to use sentence-style to emphasize key thoughts through where you place key ideas?
At the Beginning or End of a Sentence
Making Key Thoughts The Subject
Independent Clauses
What are the 3 elements of a paragraph?
- Topic sentence: Summary of general Idea, restates purpose of each paragraph
- Support Sentences: support and expand topic, clarify and justify topic
- Transitions: Help reader to move between sentences and paragraphs, creates smooth flow
What are the 5 ways to develop paragraphs?
Illustration- Give examples that demonstrates main idea
Comparison or contrast- using similarities or differences to develop topc
Cause and effect- Using reasons behind something
Classification- show how general idea is broken into categories- Student’s are from various income levels- high, medium, low/ Firtsly high, secondly, middle etc/
Problem and solution- Talk about problem, then discuss resolution
